The Memphis appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1886-1890, 1887-11-27

One thing Memphis should and must
have is better sidewalks. Ordinances
exist whereby they may be secured, and
Enforcement of these is all that is neccs-
sary. 1t is safe to say that in this regard
this city is far behind any in the country,
OF similar size, and far worse than it has
been for years. In the suburbs il is a
very unusual thing to find sidewalks wor-
thy the name, and this is no uncommon
thing in the heart of the city. In the lat.
ter section, however, the complaint is more
against wretched crossings. In this period
OF mud and slush, the deficiency is pain
fully apparent Ladies venture ont at inn
minent peril to their costumes. and gentle
men find ii not only convenient, but
necessary, to roll up their trousers or call
in the services OF cleaning tailor.
But the principal burden of kicking is at
the sidewalks. In many instances the
places which once knew them know them
no more. All ordinances and consideration
Tor pedestrians are east TO the winds. Git
Zens who reside along Poplar and cross
streets, state that on both sides of Poplar,
between Manassas and Dunlap the side
walks are not only dilapidatcd but abso-
lutely dangerous. There is liable 10 be an
accident that will yet bring trouble To the
city in the way OF damage suit. This is
true OF nj least one-half the cross streets of
main thoroughiarcs. On Carroll avenue
there is stretch OF new brick sidewalk
about 200 yards long, which would require
a search warrant to find, SO deeply is il inn
bcdded in the mud.
Now, who is TO blame for all this? The
ordinances bearing on the subject are
plain. Sections POP and 202a of the city
ordinances provide:
That every owner, tenant, lessee and
occupant Of any building or LOT whether
vacant or occupied, within the Taxing
District, shall keep, and cause to be kept
the sidewalks and cuIbstoncs in front
thereof in good repair and condition, and
that every such person shall keep, and
cause every such sidewalk TO be kept, free
from distractions, and also free from any
incumbranCc and all substances Of every
kind. Whenever any sidewalk needs re-
pairing or rclaying with the same material
the police are required TO give written no
tlcet to the owner or occupant in front uf
whose properly the said sidewalk runs, to
repair the same within not exceeding ten
days from the date Of said notice, aud the
policeman seryingthe notice shall preserve
in a stub-book the date of the notice and q
note OF his service ofthc same: and anyone
falling TO comply with the same shall be
guilty Of a misdcmcmor.
10 IL only Of recent date that this uni
vprsal howl against wrctchcd sidewalks
ln.s -. a
no fund Of moncyfor the purpose OF mend
ing the evil. Owners of the property in
front OF which the objectionable sidewalk
runs are liable. There is moi n foot OF
property within the limits of the district
that does not belong 10 some one, aud that
some one j. the partyto look TO- Property
owners are not the only ones dcrclict.
Policemen are required 10 serve notice to
repair or relay, and see that II Is com
piled with in time not exceeding
ten days. Have they oloycd the laws
governing them in this regard? The nn-
swcr is undcniablc. They have not Who
is ceusunblc Tor this? Their supcriors in
authority. Right here IL where the cherry
and authority OF President MADDEN are
most kecnly missed, and the solution Of
the frequently asked question, why does
lac greatly desire 10 hold police court? The
days when he failed 20 have some d,rtlict
properly owner before him for violation 81
these ordinances were few and fr between.
Nearly every session Of police court was
marked 10y lectures Ia police AMI dplin-
quonls on the subject, accompanied ly q
pointingout OF sections calling ioru'tpntOn.
lie didn't wait for plirulmcn 20 report
subjects, but went around, slw for him.
self, and then applied tho law. Since his
absence from power, ON account Of illness.
this class Of the cily's interest, has Ian
gui-hcd almost 10 actual demise. Until 10
u revived aud again put in operation, the
authorities are clearly Ccnsuuhlc for deere
LECTION Of duty. Acung President Capt.
James Ice, it,, does not hold police court,
but hc can instruct the police department;
Squire Gcogc Il. Powell docs preside over
that court, and the punishment prcsTibcd
Tor this class Ol offenders h.. or
should be, known by him. Chief
Davis and his subordinate officers have
been Ia authority long enough 90 know the
laws governing IN this matter, aud their
duty Is plain II pairulmcu are not In
formed, who Is 10 blamo2 II they ar In
formed aud fail 30 execute, the alternative
Il clear. Activity and attention by the pU-
lice, not a specific fund Of city money, Is
what Is needed.
Mechanics steel stamps.
Al llablrlings, No. $40 Second street.